CHAPTER 468: CHAPTER 468: SIEGE AND CONQUEST

The flames of war in the Northwest have spread further.

As April comes, the warmth returning to the land of the Northwest is palpable.

From the melting winter snow to the burgeoning spring.

The number of dead and wounded soldiers increases.

The Emperor of Great Yu defends well, but the supplies within the city are rapidly depleting.

First and foremost are grains, medicines, and weapons.

The others can still be managed somehow, but the hardest are the weapons.

Once the arrowheads are shot, they cannot be retrieved, and currently, new swords or knives cannot be made.

The weapon storeroom accumulated over many years has already been emptied to the bottom.

Some soldiers have no proper weapons and can only take up peasants’ hoes and shovels to temporarily use.

Seeing such scenes on the battlefield.

The Fourth Prince knows that Ganzhou and the so-called "Great Yu Country" are already at their end.

Thus, on the third day of April, he launched eight consecutive total offensives.

A continuous stream of soldiers charged forward.

Destroying their former homeland and cutting down their former brothers.

Does it hurt in their hearts?

It hurts!

But even with the pain, it’s something that has to be done!

Otherwise, the flames of war in the Northwest would burn for not just a few months but would likely fall into an endless turmoil.

As the moon gradually rose from the ground to the treetops.

The city was breached.

With a thunderous roar, the unbreakable city gate of Ganzhou was finally rammed open.

This breach signifies victory is within sight.

This fall means the Great Yu Country that rebelled two months ago is about to become a thing of the past.

"Surrender your arms, and you will not be killed. The people can return home."

All the soldiers who charged in were shouting this.

This was also ordered by the Fourth Prince.

Whether they are Great Yu’s soldiers or Great Yu’s civilians.

Those who were and would later be are still people of Da Wei.

Therefore, to spare a life, to shed less blood, is a good thing.

The common people were so frightened by the recent chaos that they cowered inside, afraid to go out.

So, most of those seen fleeing in the city were the Great Yu Army.

Of course, some resolute individuals remained.

Willing to follow the Liu Family to the death.

Either committing suicide upon the fall of the city, to maintain "loyalty and righteousness."

Or still hiding in the shadows, thinking that killing one more would make their actions count.

Yet even so, they could not stop the Imperial Armor Army from entering the city.

By the time the weather grew increasingly oppressive, the Emperor of Great Yu had been bound.

Not by others, but by Meng Qianzhao, Shi Daquan, Feng Qi, and Jiang Huanqing.

These were the most capable young commanders under the Fourth Prince.

Such a great achievement today, promotions and ennoblement are surely imminent.

Uncle Liu, full of disdain and pride.

Spoke to the four who entered the palace and the thousands of soldiers behind them.

"Even if I die, I will never fall into your hands to be manipulated!"

After speaking, he intended to follow the example of the Marquis of Northwest and end his life with one swift stroke.

But as he raised his hand, Jiang Huanqing hit where it hurt and spoke.

"Oh, father and son truly are alike, but pity, we would save the Marquis of Northwest if we could, and you, if you want to die, hurry up and die, so you stop disgracing yourself here."

Afterward, with a look of disdain at the palace decor, he began to evaluate freely.

"I never understood what it meant to paint a tiger but end up looking like a dog, but now I do. Even if you wear the Dragon Robe, you don’t look like an Emperor, just a stupid turtle!"

Jiang Huanqing was masterful at insulting, without using a dirty word, yet making the Emperor of Great Yu, who had never been wronged since birth, furious.

He raised his sword and charged at Jiang Huanqing.

His steps were fierce, and his eyes full of murderous intent.

He himself came from a military general background, so his martial skills were no joke.

But one against four, the outcome was apparent.

Shi Daquan, Meng Qianzhao, and Feng Qi were truly skilled.

Jiang Huanqing’s martial skills were not as good as theirs, but his tongue was sharp.

While fighting, he cursed.

Cursing from the ancestors of the Liu Family to every blade of grass and every tree of the Liu Family.

Didn’t even spare the bugs in the latrines, cursing the Emperor of Great Yu until he lost his mind in anger.

Due to an uncareful move, Shi Daquan hit him square in the chest.

This kick used full force, breaking several of his ribs.

He spat several mouthfuls of fresh blood.

Clearly in a bad shape.

But he still stared at the four before him with bloodshot eyes, sneering.

"All just lackeys of the Little Emperor, do you think today’s achievements mean you’ll rest easy soon? Laughable! Look at my Liu Family today, and you’ll know your future! I’ll be down there waiting to see how you’ll face the fate of the foolish traitors who are killed after the turmoil!"

Who knew Jiang Huanqing would raise an eyebrow and retort.

"Don’t compare the Liu Family to us, it’s not good to ruin our reputation."

"You!"

The Liu Family always emphasized their long-standing military prestige and reputation.

Being belittled by Jiang Huanqing so, enraged the already weakened Emperor of Great Yu, causing him to choke and collapse.

Seeing his body suddenly go limp.

Jiang Huanqing gave an embarrassed smile.

"Is he really dead from anger?"

Feng Qi approached to feel his pulse, then solemnly nodded.

"Dead."

His words prompted the other three to approach.

Shi Daquan glanced at the fallen Emperor of Great Yu, raised his hand, and his knife fell, separating head from body.

Blood splattered on his face, yet he remained indifferent, instead with a bit of devilish grin, he spoke.

"This officer is most afraid of a corpse suddenly rising, without a head, is the best method."

As soon as he finished speaking, Meng Qianzhao next to him raised his thumb.

"All these years, you still have this temperament, impressive!"

"Hehe, it’s a minor task! Nothing worth mentioning! Let’s take his head to see the Fourth Prince."

"Alright."

Thus the four walked out of the supposed Great Yu Emperor’s palace.

At dawn, all darkness became the past.

Ultimately justice triumphed over everything.

Upon seeing the head of the Emperor of Great Yu, the Fourth Prince raised an eyebrow.

He immediately focused on Shi Daquan asking.

"Did you cut it?"

"Mm."

"Next time, cut it neatly!"

...

Everyone present fell silent.

Fortunately, they managed to quell the chaos in the Northwest.

From the night of New Year’s Eve until now, four months have passed.

But if one speaks of planning, early more than a decade ago, the Emperor and the Fourth Prince already had intentions.

Therefore, the outcome today is fairly satisfactory.

"The head of the rebellion has been eliminated, quickly rebuild the Northwest barrier, be cautious of Great Jin taking advantage!"

"Your servant obeys!"

Thus, the few who just won the victory had no respite.

They need to arrange people to sweep the battlefield and guard the Northwest border.

Poor enemy country Great Jin still thought this war would drag on for one or two years, planning to benefit when both sides were exhausted.

Who knew that in just two months, it ended.

A great opportunity passed in an instant.

No use being angry now, they could only grit their teeth and continue training troops.